What is Sublimation?

Sublimation printing transfers your design onto a material or fabric using ink and heat. Scientifically speaking, it is the transition of a substance directly from a solid-state to a gas state. It doesn't pass through the usual liquid state and occurs at specific temperatures and pressures.

The process starts with printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring the design on to another material. This usually has to be polyester or a polyester mix for fabrics or a special polymer coating on items like mugs and coasters. The ink is then heated until it is permantly printed onto the face of the product.

A small sublimation set-up is simple and requires very little investment. Depending on the size of product you want to produce, a sublimation small format set up should be sufficient.

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Stages of Sublimation

1. Print a design onto special sublimation paper.

2. Heat press the design onto your chosen product. The inks turn into gas when heated, then combine to permanently print. The effects are less prone to fading than some other priting methods, as the ink is embedded rather than simply layed on top.

3. The result is a permanent, full colour image that won’t crack, peel or wash away.

(Example images)

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Why Sublimate?

• Speedy and efficient

• Ideal for smaller batch orders

• Excellent results with more complicated designs, giving you more freedom

• Allows you to choose a design that can cover the vast majority of your product

• Designs don’t crack, peel or fade

[Include business case with costs]

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FAQs

1. What can I sublimate onto?

Garments with a polyester or a polyester mix fabric or various blanks with a special polymer coating (such as our mugs and coasters).

2. What equipment is required for sublimation?

• Heat press (for mugs, a specific mug press is required)

• Sublimation printer & ink

• Computer or tablet for designing

• Heat transfer tape
  

• Protection sheets/pillows

• Sublimation paper
  

3. Why can’t I sublimate on dark garments?

It isn't possible to sublimate on dark coloured garments because there is no white sublimation ink.

4. Why does the image on my screen differ to the final printed result?

It is entirely possible for a print from a sublimation printer to look different to the image on your computer screen. This is because sublimation inks often change colour during the heat pressing process. As the ink reacts when it is heated, it sometimes becomes brighter and more vibrant than the image printed on the sublimation paper. We would highly recommend that, during your testing stage, you heat press the image on to a product to see the final result before beginning a batch order.

5. Can I use an iron instead of a heat press?

No. You need a continuous, even heat and pressure to be applied simultaneously to the entire surface area. This can only be effectively achieved using a heat press.

How to Order

Shopping online is the most convenient way to order from Xpres. Our website is transactional 24/7 and you can even save on delivery rates. If you haven't experienced the convenience of online shopping with Xpres, now's the time to get started...

New Customer? Register here to shop online.

Returning Customer? Simply log in here.

Prefer to speak to someone for a more bespoke service? You can also order by calling 01332 85 50 85 or emailing [email protected]  

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